Canadian Chamber Statement Regarding Federal Pharmacare Agreement with Manitoba

We are disappointed by the federal government’s approach in the recently announced pharmacare agreement with Manitoba. 

Manitobans who take contraceptives or diabetes medications could be forced to rely on a restrictive list of treatments chosen by the government. Those with private coverage could see their options significantly narrow and could even be forced to switch to inferior treatments if their current drugs are not on the government plan. 

Instead of collaborating with private insurers and provincial governments to close small gaps in drug coverage, the federal government seems committed to placing all Canadians on a national plan. This approach will result in access to fewer drugs, worse health outcomes for Canadians, and drastic increases in public spending at a time when smart investments should be the priority. 

We need pragmatic and sustainable solutions to the pressing healthcare challenges facing Canada — pharmacare is not one of them. 

• Liam MacDonald, Director of Policy and Government Relations, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success 

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 business of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — working to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success, and impact on business and economic performance.   

Media Contact

Shane Mackenzie
Vice President, Media and Stakeholder Communications
613.302.7683
smackenzie@chamber.ca